Vision Problems in Multiple Sclerosis

What is Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating, autoimmune, neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorder that attacks the central nervous system (CNS). It manipulates the immune system to attack the healthy tissues in the body.

MS directly affects the optic nerve leading to visual changes (among the earliest symptoms of the disease)

Vision issues are among the most common symptoms of MS.

What is Optic Neuritis?

Optic Neuritis is a condition that results in the inflammation of the optic nerve.

This is the nerve responsible for vision.

The optic nerve is among the first targets of the immune system that has been corrupted by MS.

How does Optic Neuritis affect vision?

● Typically, optic neuritis affects only one eye

● Some patients experience vision problems in both eyes over a period of time

● A scotoma (blurred or dim spot) may occur in the center of the vision field

● The scotoma does not affect peripheral vision

● There have been many cases of complete loss of sight in the affected eye

● Timely diagnosis and treatment can restore vision

Symptoms of Optic Neuritis

● Pain with eye movement

● Dim vision

● Blurred vision

● Loss of color vision (more greys appear in the vision field)

Symptoms and effects of optic neuritis can differ from case to case.

However patients should seek medical assistance so as to avoid complete loss of sight.

Treatment for Optic Neuritis

Glucocorticoids are usually prescribed to treat vision problems in MS, specifically optic neuritis.

What is Nystagmus?

● The involuntary and uncontrolled movement of the eyes

● Can impair vision (due to its rapid movement)

● The eyes move up and down, side to side, and can even rotate

● Also referred to as dancing eyes

● Can be sporadic or persistent

● Symptoms vary case to case

Managing Nystagmus

You can ease the symptoms of nystagmus by holding your head at an angle

What is Diplopia?

● Double vision caused by inflammation of nerves controlling eye movement

● Resulting nerve damage can cause muscles along one side of the eye to weaken

● Uncoordinated movements of the eye produce two images

● These images can be one next to the other, or one on top of the other

● Can be sporadic or persistent

● Symptoms vary case to case

Managing Diplopia

Your doctor may recommend any of the following to manage diplopia:

● Eye patch: to perform short duration tasks

● Prism lens: a special eyeglass lens to treat persistent diplopia

Medication: corticosteroids

Blindness

● Caused by advanced demyelination

● Optic nerve is damaged beyond repair

●

Types: partial or full loss of vision

How to cope with vision changes?

Try to identify the triggers and keep track of the symptoms.

Timely diagnosis and treatment can help you delay vision changes.

Below is an example of how a trigger can cause vision troubles and what you can do to prevent/delay that.

Trigger: Heat

What it does: inhibits demyelinated optic nerve’s from conducting electrical impulses

What you can do: Wear cooling vests or neck wraps; drink cool slushies

*Extreme cold may trigger spasticity.

You must keep your body temperature at an optimum level.

Other triggers: stress, fatigue, sleep deprivation

Make sure you have a support circle comprising empathetic and understanding loved ones.

Your support circle will be there in times of duress and will help you come to terms with any vision impairment.

Treating Multiple Sclerosis at Plexus

Plexus offers a tailored rehabilitation program for MS. Through this program, we aim to provide our patients with fuller lives by helping you manage your symptoms, improve day-to-day functionality, and enable you to be more active in social circles, community, workplace, school, etc.

Treating Multiple Sclerosis at Plexus